Is F1 pricing itself out of the market?

Prohibitively expensive race-hosting fees have led to exorbitant price hikes all the way down the F1 food chain. And, explains Dieter Rencken, it's time something was done about it

Last Sunday's German Grand Prix attracted under 60,000 spectators – the official number was a rather optimistic 59,000; itself 10 per cent down on Hockenheim's already disappointing 2010 attendance – despite the race featuring no fewer than five Germans on the grid, including two multiple champions.

In its present configuration, the circuit's capacity is 75,000 (60,000 seated, the balance in general areas) although temporary stands could bring that figure up to around 120,000. Thus the race marking the midpoint of one of the closest seasons on record ran at just half its commercial potential.